Import Conditions Database - ICON

Condition C18182

Transport requirements for importation of horses from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom via the United Arab Emirates, Singapore or Hong Kong on scheduled freighter services.

A GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

1. The horses must be accompanied by a valid Permit to Import and have fulfilled all the pre-departure quarantine requirements for the importation of horses from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

2. The horses must be transported in containers of no lesser standard than both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) General Container Requirements and the specific IATA Container Requirements for domestic or wild horses. Handling procedures must be in accordance with IATA Live Animals Regulations, unless otherwise specified in these requirements.

3. Approved international airports for transit or transhipment of consignments of horses travelling from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom to Australia are Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Hong Kong. Sharjah is approved for transit only – horses must not be unloaded from the aircraft at Sharjah.

4. Transit permits or approval must be obtained from veterinary authorities in transit ports at least seven (7) days prior to shipment of the consignment.

5. Horses must only travel on regularly scheduled freighter services that have previously been approved by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS). Details of the carrier, transport route, transit times and proposed arrangements in any transit port must be approved at least seven (7) days prior to shipment.

6. During transport from the pre export quarantine facility until arrival in Australia, horses must not have contact with any horses not of the same certified health status.

7. An Australian government veterinarian may be required to supervise the pre-export preparation and accompany the consignment of horses to Australia at the importer's expense.

8. Consignments will be subject to periodic audit for compliance with these conditions at the importer's expense.

9. These requirements may be varied or reviewed at any time at the discretion of the Director of Quarantine.

10. Importers must agree to comply with these requirements prior to any transport of horses from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom to Australia. Agents and carriers may be required to sign a Compliance Agreement in accordance with Part VII, Section 66B of the Quarantine Act 1908

B PRE TRANSPORT PROCEDURES

1. A topical, long-acting, insect repellent (eg. containing Permethrin and/or diethyl toluamide or DEET) must be applied to the horses according to manufacturer’s instructions. This treatment is in addition to any acaricide treatments required during preparation of the horses for entry to Australia.

. The insect repellent must be applied immediately prior to leaving the pre-export quarantine premises (PEQ).

. The veterinarian in charge of the PEQ facility must certify application of the insect repellent. A copy of the certificate must accompany the horses to Australia. The certificate must be available for the Loadmaster and Captain of the flight if required. The certificate must state the date and time of application and the product used.

2. The repellent spray and applicator must be carried on the aircraft with the horses.

. If the time of travel from point of departure until the horses arrive in Australia is longer than recommended in the manufacturer’s instructions, reapplication will be required during the journey according to manufacturer’s instructions.

. If the consignment is delayed, reapplication in accordance with manufacturer's instructions may be required.

. If the horses are subjected to conditions that could remove the insect repellent from the horse's coat (eg dampening), the insect repellent must be reapplied according to manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Insect proof netting must be carried on the flight at all times. There must be sufficient netting to completely cover the horse stalls. Netting must be in good condition and effectively prevent the access of insects (mosquitoes) to the horses.

4. An AQIS approved aerosol knockdown insect spray [eg containing D-phenothrin} must also be carried on the flight for use after takes off or in the case of unscheduled landings.

C TRANSIT PROCEDURES

1. Horses remain on board the aircraft at approved transit ports.

1.1 The cargo doors may be opened at AQIS approved transit ports to allow for the unloading or loading of freight.

1.2 Netting does not need to be applied to horse transport containers that remain on board the aircraft.

1.3 The importer/agent must ensure that all welfare needs regarding the horses are addressed including the provision of cooling and extra ventilation if required.

1.4 Immediately after the cargos hold doors are closed an AQIS approved aerosol knockdown insect spray (eg containing D-phenothrin) must be sprayed around the cargo bay, in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.

2. Horses are off loaded in the United Arab Emirates (excluding Sharjah).

2.1 Prior to opening the cargo door insect repellent may need to be reapplied to the horses if required by the manufacturer's instructions.

2.2 Transit time on the tarmac in the transit port must be less than six (6) hours.

2.3 The importer/agent must ensure that all welfare needs regarding the horses are addressed, including the provision of shade, cooling and extra ventilation if required.

2.4 Immediately after the horses are reloaded and the cargo hold doors are closed, an approved aerosol knockdown insect spray [eg containing D-c] must be sprayed around the cargo bay in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.

3. Horses are off loaded at Singapore or Hong Kong and any horse in the consignment not vaccinated for JE.

3.1 Prior to opening the cargo door, insect repellent may need to be reapplied to the horses if required by the manufacturer's instructions.

3.2 Prior to, or immediately after unloading, the horse transport containers must be completely covered in netting to prevent insect (mosquitoes) access to the horses. The netting must remain in place until the horses are reloaded on an aircraft.

3.2 The importer/agent must ensure that all welfare needs regarding the horses held under netting are addressed, including the provision of shade, cooling and extra ventilation if required.

3.3 Transit time on tarmac in the transit port must be less than six (6) hours.

3.4 Immediately after the horses are reloaded on an aircraft and the cargo hold doors are closed, an AQIS approved aerosol knockdown insect spray (eg containing D-phenothrin) must be sprayed around the cargo bay in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.

3.5 The insect netting must not be removed until thirty (30) minutes after the application of the aerosol knockdown insect spray as in 3.4 above.

4. Horses are offloaded at Singapore or Hong Kong, all horses in the consignment fully vaccinated for JE.¹

4.1 Prior to opening the cargo door, insect repellent may need to be reapplied to the horses if required by the manufacturer's instructions.

4.2 The importer/agent must ensure that all welfare needs regarding the horses are addressed, including the provision of shade, cooling and extra ventilation if required.

4.3 Transit time in the transit port must be less than six (6) hours.

4.4 Immediately after the horses are reloaded and the cargo hold doors are closed an AQIS approved aerosol knockdown insect spray (eg containing D-phenothrin) must be sprayed around the cargo bay in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.

¹ Vaccination against Japanese encephalitis (JE) is required not more than twelve months before entering the pre-export quarantine facility. An approved inactivated vaccine must be used, either twice 30 days apart, in the case of primo-vaccination, or once as a booster to a primary course. Certification of JE vaccination must accompany the horses to Australia.

5. If reloading of the horses at any transit port is delayed and the consignment will spend more than six (6) hours on tarmac.

5.1 The entire consignment should be transported directly to an insect proof facility under quarantine control and held there until an onward flight is available.

5.2 Insect repellents are to be reapplied to the horses in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, prior to the horses leaving the insect proof holding facilities to reboard an aircraft for an onward flight.

D PROCEDURES FOR UNSCHEDULED LANDINGS

1. If the aircraft lands at any airport, other than Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Singapore, Hong Kong, or an Australian port, but remains operative with the cargo doors closed the following procedures must be followed:

1.1 Personnel accompanying the consignment are to notify AQIS by telephone of the unscheduled landing as soon as possible. Please refer to Attachment 1. If telephone contact is not possible while the aircraft is on the ground, attempts must continue during the rest of the flight to ensure that AQIS officials at the port of import are familiar with the alteration to schedule before the aircraft lands in Australia.

1.2 Immediately upon landing in the unapproved port, the transport containers must be completely covered in netting to prevent insects having any access to the horses. The netting must remain in place until the aircraft is again airborne and the aircraft has been sprayed as in 1.5 below.

1.3 Arrangements are to be made to enable attendants, traveling with the horses, to remain in the cargo bay with the horses over the period of the unscheduled landing.

1.4 The cargo hold is to remain fully closed, with the air-conditioner operating, while the aircraft is on the ground. Additional external ventilation and cooling, as required to take account of the welfare needs of horses held under netting, should be provided to the cargo hold.

1.5 An AQIS approved aerosol knockdown insecticide spray (eg containing D-phenothrin) is to be sprayed around the cargo bay in the manner recommended by the manufacturer. This insecticide must be applied as soon as the aircraft lands and must be reapplied at the recommended interval and rate until after the consignment is again airborne. Once airborne the netting can be removed thirty (30) minutes after the final spray.

1.6 The Loadmaster or Captain of the flight must provide certification that the cargo hold doors remained closed, detailing the date and time of application of insecticides and arrival and departure times en route. The certificate must accompany the horses to their final destination.

1.7 If the horses are permitted to travel on to Australia, the location and length of the period of post-arrival quarantine will be reconsidered in light of the risk to which the horses may have been exposed.

2. If the aircraft lands at an airport, other than Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, Singapore, Hong Kong, or an Australian port, and the cargo bay is opened, or the horses are unloaded then the following procedures must be followed:

2.1 Personnel accompanying the consignment are to notify AQIS by telephone of the unscheduled landing as soon as possible. Please refer to Attachment 1. Contact with AQIS must be maintained at the frequency requested until the fate of the consignment has been determined. If telephone contact is not possible while the aircraft is on the ground, attempts must continue during the rest of the flight to ensure that AQIS officials at the port of import are familiar with the alteration to schedule before the aircraft lands in Australia.

2.2 Prior to opening the cargo doors in the unscheduled port, the stalls are to be covered with insect proof netting in such a manner as to preclude insect access to the horses. Additional ventilation and cooling, as required to take into account the welfare needs of horses held under netting, is to be provided. Attendants should remain with the consignment.

2.3 If the airport is in a region in which African horse sickness or Rift Valley fever is currently endemic (a current list of countries reporting to the OIE in which these diseases are endemic is at Attachment 2) the horses are not to proceed to Australia without AQIS approval.

2.4 If the horses have to be removed from the plane every attempt should be made to keep the horses under cover and free from insect attack by careful use of netting and topical insect repellent. If available, at or adjacent to the airport, horses should be held in insect proof facilities. The horses must remain isolated from other equids.

2.5 If the horses are approved to proceed to Australia, then as soon as the horses are reloaded and/or the cargo door is closed again an AQIS approved aerosol knockdown insecticide spray (eg. containing D-phenothrin) must be sprayed around the cargo bay in the manner recommended by the manufacturer.

2.6 The insect proof netting is not to be removed until thirty (30) minutes after the application of the insect spray as in 2.5 above.

2.7 The length and location of the period of post-arrival quarantine in Australia will be reconsidered in light of the risk to which the horses have been exposed.

2.8 A statement providing details of the management of the consignment of horses during the stop is to be provided by the Loadmaster or Captain of the flight. The statement must include the name of the transit port and arrival and departure times. It must provide certification of the date and time of application of the insecticides, the use of netting, all details of any other action taken to preclude vector insects from access to the horses and action taken to address the welfare requirements of the horses. The statement must accompany the horses to their final destination.

2.9 If the horses are not approved to proceed to Australia, the personnel accompanying the horses are to implement any procedures detailed by AQIS regarding the repatriation or disposal of the horses, at the importer's expense.

2.10 If the horses are not approved by AQIS to proceed to Australia, the horses are not to proceed to the UAE, Singapore or Hong Kong, without the explicit permission of veterinary authorities in those ports.

AQIS contact numbers in case of unscheduled landings

Section	Phone Number
AQIS NSW – Regional Horse Imports Manager	61 2 8334 7436 61 417 427 793
AQIS NSW Regional Horse Co-ordinator	61 2 8334 7690 61 418 603 299

AQIS Victoria – Regional Horse Imports Manager	61 3 8318 6776 61 409 915 200
AQIS Victoria Regional Horse Co-ordinator	61 3 8318 6964 61 438 348 530

AQIS Canberra – Manager, Horse Imports	61 2 6272 4132 61 434 735 459

COUNTRIES IN WHICH AFRICAN HORSE SICKNESS OCCURS

Nations reporting outbreaks of African horse sickness to the OIE during 1993 to 2001 inclusive:

Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Republic of South Africa, Senegal, Zimbabwe.

African nations which did not report:

Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Tanzania.

COUNTRIES IN WHICH RIFT VALLEY FEVER OCCURS

Nations reporting outbreaks of Rift Valley fever during 1996 to 2001 inclusive:

Kenya, Malawi, Republic of South Africa, Senegal, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Tanzania, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Condition C8400 CONDITIONS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF LIVE ARTHROPODS AND OTHER INVERTEBRATES

Conditions of Administration

1. An Import Permit is required and must be valid at the time the goods are imported into Australia. Permit applications must be sent to Live Animal Imports - AQIS Canberra, for assessment.

Live Animal Imports
AQIS                                                   Fax +61 2 6272 3110
GPO Box 858                                      Email animalimp@aqis.gov.au
Canberra 2601                                     Phone +61 2 6272 4454

2. The importer or agent must lodge a Quarantine Entry for each consignment. The inspecting AQIS officer must be advised of the entry number prior to inspection.

3. One importer, as listed on the Import Permit, or nominated agent, must be accessible to AQIS officers and accept responsibility for ensuring that all import conditions are met including the AQIS inspection.

4. Consignments must be addressed and sent to AQIS at the port of arrival.

5. The importer or agent must make an appointment for AQIS inspection of goods and documentation. The importer or agent may be required to be present at this inspection. The consignment will be held by AQIS until completion of inspection. Fees are payable to AQIS for all services.

6. The animal(s):

must be consigned from the country of export directly to Australia by a route approved by AQIS
may only be accompanied by other animals not of this consignment if prior written approval is granted by AQIS

7. The importer must notify the AQIS office in the state of import in writing at least three (3) working days prior to import. Notification must include:

contact number for the importer
AQIS permit number
flight number
airway bill number
date and estimated time of arrival
list of animals being imported
nature and identification of means of transport.

8. The design of the containers used to transport the animal(s) must comply with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations.

9. The use of hay or straw as bedding during transport by air is not permitted; treated wood shavings, sterilised peat and soft board may be used.

10. Consignments that do not meet the AQIS import conditions will either remain in quarantine control be re-export or destroyed without recompense.

Condition C8401 CONDITIONS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF HONEY-BEES

Format of the veterinary certificate

1. An original veterinary certificate that conforms to the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code (Code) Model International Veterinary Certificates must accompany each consignment; and must:

be written in English, and a language understood by the Official Veterinarian of the country of export
meet all requirements of the “veterinary certification” section of these conditions
provide the identification for each animal. Horses (passport details, microchip number/site or brand or silhouette) Rabbits (microchip number/site) Camelids (microchip number/site) Birds (leg bands) Cattle, sheep and goats (microchip number/site or ear tag number or ear mark or brand).
include description, species, sex and age
include the name and address of the importer and exporter
include the AQIS Import Permit number

2. An Official Veterinarian of the Government Veterinary Administration must:

provide a separate veterinary certificate for each animal in the case of horses (except for horses from New Zealand), and zoo animals
sign, date and stamp each page of the veterinary certificate and all documents eg laboratory reports that form part of the extended health certification with the stamp of the government veterinary administration
provide name, signature and contact details on the veterinary certificate

3. AQIS will only accept copies of documents where each page bears the original signature, date and stamp of the Official Veterinarian.

Condition C8569 28 January 2000

Pre-export quarantine premises requirements for the temporary importation of horses for competition from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom

Documentation

Each horse will travel with

. a current international passport in accord with the Model Passport for International Movement of Competition Horses recommended in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) Terrestrial Animal Health Code (the Code), Appendix 4.1.5., or a similar official document issued by an internationally recognised horse organisation, and

. an original international veterinary certificate in accord with the Code, Appendix 4.1.4., signed by an Official Veterinarian* of the country of export.

*Note: Official Veterinarian means a veterinarian authorised by the Veterinary Administration of the country to perform certain designated official tasks associated with animal health and/or public health and inspections of commodities and, when appropriate, to certify in conformity with the Certification Procedures of Section 1.2.2 of the Code.

Location

1. The premises must be located in a country, or part of the territory of a country, that has been free from African horse sickness, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis for 2 years.

2. For the duration of pre-export quarantine (PEQ), other equines should not be depastured, held or exercised within 100 metres of horses on the premises except as specifically authorised by AQIS.

3. The premises must be conveniently located for supervision by an Official Veterinarian except as specifically authorised by AQIS.

Facilities

1. The premises must be surrounded by two secure stockproof fences at least 5 metres apart except where the wall of a building forms part of the perimeter.

2. Stables on the premises be so constructed that they can be readily cleaned and disinfected.

3. For the duration of PEQ, other equines should not be depastured, held or exercised within 100 metres of horses on the premises except as specifically authorised by AQIS.

4. Stables, yards, fences, and feeding and watering arrangements must be so constructed that the horses are protected from injury, and other welfare needs are met.

5. The premises shall have an area for the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles well separated from stables holding pens and the loading area, and the premises must have facilities for the safe unloading and loading of horses.

6. The premises shall have facilities for veterinary examination and the collection of samples, and facilities for the segregation and isolation of sick or suspect horses.

Operation

1. The premises must be approved by AQIS and the Official Veterinarian prior to the commencement of the PEQ period.

2. All operations and procedures are documented and consistent with a HACCP approach. AQIS may audit approved PEQ premises.

Note: HACCP is the Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points.

3. Stables must be cleaned and disinfected with exercise and holding yards and paddocks cleaned to the satisfaction of an Official Veterinarian prior to the commencement of each PEQ.

4. The PEQ must be supervised by the Official Veterinarian.

5. The PEQ period will start from the time of entry of the last horse. Horses must not leave the premises during PEQ without permission of the supervising Official Veterinarian and AQIS.

6. During PEQ, the premises must be occupied only by horses of the export consignment unless otherwise agreed by AQIS. All horses in PEQ must be of equivalent quarantine status.

7. A blood sample must be taken from each horse during PEQ. Half of this sample must be stored in the country of export under suitable conditions for antibody preservation in a laboratory approved by the competent authority. The importer must arrange for the other half of the sample (no less than 2.5 ml of serum) to be despatched to the Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL). Both parts of the samples must be retained for at least three months.

8. During PEQ each horse of the export consignment must have rectal temperatures measured and recorded twice daily and such records are to be made available to AQIS on request.

9. The Official Veterinarian must provide certification, in the form of a checklist, that health certificates and health records including measurement of rectal temperatures have been inspected. If rectal temperatures were unable to be obtained from a horse this is to be noted on the checklist.

10. All equipment used in feeding, handling and treating the horses in PEQ must be new or cleaned and disinfected before use and must be used only in the premises for the duration of the PEQ.

11. Personnel attending the horses must shower and change outer clothing and footwear before entering the PEQ premises.

12. Any health problems affecting animals on the premises during PEQ must be reported within 48 hours to the Official Veterinarian. AQIS must be notified if the incident is of quarantine concern.

13. A detailed health record must be kept for each horse in quarantine. The health record must be available to the Official Veterinarian.

14. Entry to the premises must be prevented unless specifically authorised by the Official Veterinarian. Details of all visitor entries must be recorded.

15. Complete certification documentation must be made available by the importer for inspection by the Official Veterinarian at the port of loading for export to Australia. It must include evidence that each horse has been:

. vaccinated in accordance with the requirements for veterinary certification

. had a blood sample taken complying with (7.) above

. tested with negative results by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or an antigen enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for influenza A.

16. Vehicles and containers for transport of horses from the premises to the port of export must be cleaned and disinfected to the satisfaction of the Official Veterinarian prior to loading.

17. Before a horse is loaded on an aircraft or vessel for carriage to Australia, the importer must make available to AQIS sufficient evidence for AQIS to verify the existence of veterinary certification and compliance with the required import conditions up to the time the horse arrives at the airport of departure. This will be done by facsimile or electronic communication with AQIS officers in Australia. Where the shipment will be loaded outside Australian business hours, prior arrangements must be made with AQIS for receipt of the necessary documentation.

Veterinary certification for the importation of horses from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom

For the 60 days immediately prior to export the horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restriction in one or more of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom; where:

. African horse sickness, glanders, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis are compulsorily notifiable

. vaccination against African horse sickness or Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis has not been practised during the past 12 months.

2. For the 60 days immediately prior to export the horse was continuously resident and free of quarantine restrictions in one or of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom; in which:

. no case of African horse sickness, equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis has occurred during the past 2 years

. no case of dourine or glanders has been reported in equines during the past 6 months

. no case of surra has been reported in equines during the past 12 months

. in part of the territory of the country or countries, Borna disease in horses and in ruminants has not been detected during the past 2 years.

3. So far as can be determined, for the 60 days immediately prior to export the horse was continuously resident in one or more of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom; in premises where no case of the following diseases or any other notifiable disease of equines have occurred during the previous 3 months:

. equine influenza

. epizootic lymphangitis

. equine ehrlichiosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, formerly Ehrlichia equi)

. equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) infection associated with central nervous disease or abortion

. equine infectious anaemia

. equine viral arteritis

. equine piroplasmosis (Theileria equi or Babesia caballi)

. horse pox

. Japanese encephalitis

. Lyme disease

. rabies.

Note: If the country from which the horse is to be exported can not certify disease freedom for other eligible countries in which the horse has resided in the previous 2 months, an Official Veterinarian from each of those eligible countries should also certify to points 1, 2 and 3.

4. The horse was held in PEQ for at least 14 days immediately prior to export in premises that met the physical and operational requirements specified in the ‘Pre-export quarantine requirements’ above.

5. So far as can be determined, the horse is not known to have been infected with Taylorella equigenitalis or mated with another horse known to have been infected with T.equigenitalis and has not, during the past 2 months, been resident on any property on which contagious equine metritis has been confirmed in the previous 2 years.

6. During the 6 months before the commencement of PEQ, the horse was vaccinated* against equine influenza (not using a vaccine containing live equine influenza virus) on at least two occasions:

The first vaccination, given not more than 6 months and not less than two months prior to commencement of PEQ, was given either

. as a booster to a primary course**

. as the second vaccination of a primary course** administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations

The second vaccination was given between 21 and 14 days prior to the commencement of PEQ.

*Note: Vaccines used must contain the following or equivalent strains in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Expert Surveillance Panel for equine influenza:

. an A/eq/South Africa/4/2003 (H3N8)-like virus (American lineage)¹ and

. an A/eq/Newmarket/2/93 (H3N8)-like virus (European lineage)²

**Note: A primary course comprises at least two doses administered in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

^1.A/eq/Ohio/2003 is acceptable as A/eq/South Africa/4/2003-like virus

^2.A/eq/Suffolk/89 and A/eq/Borlänge/91, currently used vaccine strains, continue to be acceptable

7. During the period of PEQ:

. an agent detection test for influenza A, either a PCR, or an antigen ELISA, was conducted with negative results on each of two nasopharyngeal swabs taken from the horse 7 to 10 days apart during PEQ, the second being taken within 4 days of departure

. the horse was subjected to a Coggins test or an approved ELISA for equine infectious anaemia with negative results

. the horse was subjected to indirect fluorescent antibody tests (IFAT) for piroplasmosis (Theileria equi and Babesia caballi), with negative results in each case

Note: This veterinary certification must name all piroplasmosis positive horses. Horses that test positive for piroplasmosis may be permitted temporary import under the attached conditions (Appendix 3)

Note: All testing must be conducted at an Official laboratory, with results attached to the health certification.

. on arrival in PEQ, the horse was thoroughly examined by an Official Veterinarian or under the direct supervision of an Official Veterinarian and found to be free of ticks. A systematic approach was undertaken with close examination of ears, false nostrils, under body areas (axilla, inguinal, under jawbone), perineum, mane and tail. If any horse in the consignment was found to have ticks during PEQ, all horses in the PEQ premises were immediately treated with a parasiticide effective against ticks

. within 2-7 days of departure, each horse on the PEQ premises was treated with a parasiticide effective against ticks according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, unless ticks were found on arrival and the horses have been treated (date and treatment schedule stated on certification)

. the horse was not vaccinated

. the horse is not pregnant

. all horses in the PEQ premises remained free from evidence of infectious or contagious disease, and had no contact with equines not of equivalent quarantine status

. a blood sample was collected from each horse during PEQ with half of this sample retained in the country of export in a laboratory approved by the Competent Authority and the other half (no less than 2.5 mL of serum) despatched to AAHL.

8. The horse was examined by an Official Veterinarian within 24 hours prior to leaving the PEQ premises for the port of export and was found to be:

. free from evidence of infectious or contagious disease

. visibly free of external parasites

. fit to travel.

9. The vehicle for the transport of the horse to the port of export was cleaned and disinfected with a prescribed disinfectant to the satisfaction of the Official Veterinarian prior to loading the animals.

10. During transport to the port of export the horse had no contact with equines not of equivalent quarantine status.

11. The compartment of the aircraft or vessel to be occupied by the horse and all removable equipment, penning and containers including loading ramps were satisfactorily cleaned and disinfected prior to loading.

12. At the time of loading the horse was healthy and fit to travel.

Transport

1. The horse must be consigned to Australia by a route approved by the Director. It may be accompanied by other animals only with the approval of the Director. Any transhipment requires the approval of the Director. Stops on route will need approval from relevant authorities in the countries of transit and transhipment.

2. An Australian or New Zealand quarantine veterinarian may be required to accompany the shipment to Australia at the importer's expense. AQIS must receive adequate notice of the intention to import so that arrangements can be made.

3. The use of hay or straw as bedding during transport is not permitted; treated wood shavings, sterilised peat and soft board may be used.

4. The design of the containers, the recommended species requirements, the preparation for transport, and the disinfection of the interior of the aircraft, removable equipment, penning and containers must be in accordance with the recommendations of the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations unless otherwise agreed by the Director.

Post-arrival quarantine requirements for the importation of horses from Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom

Each imported horse must undergo post-arrival quarantine (PAQ) in a Government animal quarantine station or other approved quarantine station for 14 days. Temporarily imported horses must remain under quarantine surveillance at the quarantine premises until export.

Note: Horses originating from multiple PEQ premises and countries and/or continents may require PAQ periods to be extended to 21 days.

AQIS standards for approved PAQ premises are at Appendix 2.

1. During PAQ each horse in the consignment must

. be identified on arrival and accompanying health certification and passport examined and checked

. undergo examination including measurement of rectal temperature, on arrival and again within 4 hours and twice daily thereafter during PAQ. If at any time the rectal temperature is 38.5 °C or higher, a nasopharyngeal swab is to be taken for a PCR test for influenza A virus (or equine influenza virus) and the AQIS veterinarian notified

. have a blood sample collected for reference serum and despatched for storage within 24 hours of arrival

. be thoroughly and systematically examined for the presence of ticks. Detection of ticks will result in further testing and/or treatment in PAQ.

2. A PCR for influenza A virus (or equine influenza virus) with negative results for each horse must be conducted on nasopharyngeal swabs taken within 24 hours of arrival and five days after the last horse arrives in PAQ. Swabs will also be subject to a ‘rapid’ immuno-assay test to detect influenza A.

3. Each horse must be tested negative for equine influenza within the last three days of the PAQ period using an agent detection test for influenza A (either a PCR test or an antigen ELISA) before release from quarantine.

4. After completion of PAQ, each horse imported under these conditions will be held under quarantine surveillance until exported. Export shall be within 60 days following import unless otherwise agreed by AQIS. The imported horse must be denied the opportunity to mate either while in quarantine or under quarantine surveillance.

Detailed conditions of quarantine surveillance are available from AQIS in the State in which surveillance is to be undertaken.

5. If any horse fails a test or shows signs of disease, it may be subjected to testing or treatment prescribed by AQIS at the importer’s expense. If any horse does not meet these conditions, or exotic disease is diagnosed, that horse, and any or all horses in the PAQ premises, may be:

. detained in quarantine for further testing and observation

. exported at the importer's expense

. destroyed without recompense.

6. During PAQ and while the imported horses remain under quarantine surveillance, they may be subjected to any testing or treatments prescribed by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) at the importer’s expense.

7. The importer will be charged for services provided by the Australian Government. If any animals die or are destroyed during any period of control, compensation will not be paid by the Australian Government.

APPENDIX 1

ADDITIONAL HEALTH CERTIFICATE TO BE COMPLETED WHEN THE HORSE HAS RESIDED IN ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES OTHER THAN THE EXPORTING ELIGIBLE COUNTRY DURING THE 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO EXPORT

Note - The following countries are eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Health Certificate

I, an Official Veterinarian of ..................................... (name of eligible country), hereby certify that:

1. the horse was continuously resident from .................. to .................. (dates) in ....................................(name of eligible country).

2. African horse sickness, Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis and vesicular stomatitis are compulsorily notifiable in ...........................................(eligible country) and vaccination against African horse sickness or Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis has not been practiced in the last 12 months.

3. the horse was resident in part of the territory of ...................................... (eligible country) where the following diseases have not occurred for the following time periods prior to export of the horse

. African horse sickness 2 years

. dourine 6 months

. glanders 6 months

. equine encephalomyelitis 2 years

. vesicular stomatitis 2 years

. surra 1 year

. Borna disease in horses and in ruminants has not been detected during the past 2 years.

4. So far as can be determined for the 3 months immediately prior to export the horse was continuously resident in country(ies) in premises where no case of the following diseases or any other notifiable disease of equines have occurred during the previous 3 months:

. equine influenza

. epizootic lymphangitis

. equine ehrlichiosis (Anaplasma phagocytophilum, formerly Ehrlichia equi)

. equine herpes virus 1 (EHV-1) infection associated with central nervous disease or abortion

. equine infectious anaemia

. equine viral arteritis

. equine piroplasmosis (Theileria equi or Babesia caballi)

. horse pox

. Lyme disease

. rabies

APPENDIX 2

AQIS STANDARDS FOR POST-ARRIVAL QUARANTINE PREMISES FOR HORSES FOR EXPORT TO AUSTRALIA

1. ENTRY AND POST-ARRIVAL QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS

1.1 The process from the time horses arrive at the airport to the completion of post-arrival quarantine (PAQ) must be auditable.

1.2 Vehicles transporting imported horses from the port of arrival in Australia to the PAQ premises have been cleaned and disinfected prior to loading the horses. Appropriate biosecurity procedures must be implemented for transport vehicles, freight containers, equipment and associated personnel, including transport operators, before, during and after the transport of horses to the PAQ premises.

1.3 Vehicles transporting imported horses are not permitted to leave the PAQ premises until thoroughly cleaned and disinfected (including the cabin if contaminated) and the health checks of the imported horses have been completed.

1.4 Each imported horse must be identified upon arrival in Australia and accompanying health certification/passport examined and checked.

2 LOCATION OF PAQ FACILITIES

2.1 The premises must be located in an area that has been free from equine infectious anaemia for 12 months.

2.2 For the duration of post-arrival quarantine (PAQ), other equines should not be depastured, held or exercised within 100 metres of horses on the premises.

2.3 The premises should be close to the port of arrival and be conveniently located for supervision by an AQIS Veterinarian.

3 FACILITIES

3.1 The premises must be surrounded by two secure stockproof fences at least 5 metres apart except where the wall of a building forms part of the perimeter.

3.2 The premises shall have an area for the cleaning and disinfection of vehicles well separated from stables, holding pens and the loading area, and facilities for the safe unloading and loading of horses.

3.3 Stables on the premises must be so constructed that they can be readily cleaned and disinfected.

3.4 Stables, yards, fences, and feeding and watering arrangements must be so constructed that the horses are protected from injury, and other welfare needs are met.

3.5 The premises shall have facilities for veterinary examination and the collection of samples, and facilities for the segregation and isolation of sick or suspect horses.

4 OPERATION

4.1 The premises must be approved by an AQIS veterinarian prior to the commencement of each PAQ. All procedures with regard to the operation of the quarantine premises are documented, consistent with a HACCP approach and are subject to audit, including operating procedures for veterinarians, handlers and visitors.

4.2 Stables must be cleaned and disinfected, and exercise yards, holding yards and paddocks cleaned to the satisfaction of an AQIS Veterinarian, prior to the commencement of each PAQ.

4.3 The PAQ premises must be under the direct supervision of an AQIS Veterinarian.

4.4 The PAQ period shall be deemed to start from the time of entry of the last horse. Horses must not leave the premises during PAQ without permission of AQIS.

4.5 During the PAQ the premises must only be occupied by horses of the import consignment unless otherwise agreed by AQIS.

4.6 All equipment used in the feeding, handling and treatment of the horses in PAQ must be new or cleaned and disinfected before use and must be used only in the premises for the duration of the PAQ. On completion of PAQ, the equipment must be disinfected to the satisfaction of AQIS prior to removal.

4.7 All personnel (including grooms) must shower and change outer clothing and footwear before leaving the PAQ premises. Personnel approved entry must be limited to those deemed by AQIS to have essential management duties and understand appropriate biosecurity procedures.

4.8 Any health problems affecting horses or other stock on the premises during PAQ must be promptly reported to the supervising AQIS Veterinarian. AQIS must be notified if the incident is of quarantine concern.

4.9 A detailed health record must be kept for each horse on the premises during the PAQ period and it must be available to the supervising AQIS Veterinarian.

4.10 Unauthorised access to the premises should be prevented. All visitor entries should be recorded.

4.11 Vehicles used to transport the horses from the port of arrival to the premises must be cleaned and disinfected to the satisfaction of an AQIS officer before leaving the premises.

APPENDIX 3

Quarantine Requirements for the Temporary Importation of Horses that are Serologically Positive for Equine Piroplasmosis for Competition, Exhibition or Racing Purposes

Horses which give positive results in tests for equine piroplasmosis will be permitted temporary import to compete in international competitions such as dressage, showjumping, eventing, races and exhibitions under the following conditions.

Note: AQIS will not permit the importation of horses serologically positive for equine piroplasmosis to compete in events where there is prolonged exposure to vegetation and opportunity for tick attachment such as endurance rides and driving events which involve a marathon phase.

1 General

These quarantine requirements are additional to Quarantine Requirements for the Temporary Importation of Horses for Racing and Other Competition from specified countries.

2 Post Arrival Quarantine and Surveillance Requirements

2.1 All horses irrespective of serological status must be thoroughly examined for ticks within 48 hours of arrival in Australia under the direct supervision of a Quarantine Officer. A systematic approach must be taken with close examination of ears, false nostrils, under-body areas (axilla, inguinal, under jawbone), perineum, mane and tail

. if ticks are found the whole consignment must be treated with an approved acaricide according to manufacturer’s recommendations (any tick found should be identified).

2.2 Seropositive horses must be easily identified (for example by an unique colour coded disc on their head collar and bridle) and under official supervision whilst in Australia. Access to seropositive horses will be restricted.

2.3 Post arrival quarantine (PAQ) and competition sites must be approved by AQIS to hold seropositive horses. This may involve a survey for ticks. Post arrival quarantine must be conducted in areas free of Boophilus microplus.

2.4 Seropositive horses must remain on approved PAQ premises and competition sites. Movement between these sites requires AQIS approval.

2.5 Grass in exercise areas of PAQ and competition sites must be kept very short by such measures as regular mowing.

2.6 Seropositive horses may compete and remain in areas where Boophilus microplus is present for a maximum of 7 days.

2.7 Seropositive horses must be maintained in a separate building from other horses on the PAQ and competition sites in a clearly demarcated area except at the actual time of training, competition, exhibition or racing.

2.8 Seropositive horses and all other horses on the same site including those in separate buildings as seropositive horses must be examined daily for ticks by a Quarantine Officer or under the supervision of a Quarantine Officer until export of the seropositive horses.

2.9 Seropositive horses must be washed weekly with a permethrin based insecticidal product.

2.10 Measures must be taken to prevent iatrogenic spread of the disease including the use of disposable equipment, to ensure there is no risk of cross-contamination to other animals.

2.11 Bedding for seropositive horses must be rubber, wood shavings or shredded paper. If straw is used for stable bedding for seronegative horses located at the same site as seropositive horses it must be sourced from Boophilus microplus free areas.

2.12 Hay, chaff and any other feedstuffs not heat treated for seropositive horses and all horses on site with seropositive horses must be sourced from Boophilus microplus free areas.

2.13 Seropositive horses must be exported within 10 days of the completion of the competition, exhibition or racing event for which they were imported unless otherwise approved by the Director.

Treatment T9902 Treat as required by the Permit conditions

Treat as required by the Permit conditions.

Import Permit Fee IPF0005

Import Permit Fees (where applicable) – Category 4

This commodity is classified as a Category 4 assessment for the purposes of determining the Import Permit fee rate that applies. The fee rate is $240.00 (for any assessment period up to 3 hours) and $40.00 for each quarter hour, or part of a quarter hour, after the 3-hour period. Note that in addition to the assessment fee, an electronic lodgement fee of $85.00 or a manual lodgement fee of $150.00 also applies.

An assessable item means an item identified on an Import Permit application as consisting of goods of a class imported, or to be imported, from a particular country for a particular use.

Further information on AQIS fees and charges can be found on the AQIS website. Import Permit issuing fees are specified in the Quarantine Service Fees Determination 2005.

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	Commodity:	Horse (for racing) - Live

	Scientific name:	Equine

	Country:	*Countries including:* Austria; Belgium; Denmark; Finland; France; Germany; Greece; Ireland, Republic of; Italy; Luxembourg; Netherlands; Portugal; Spain; Sweden; United Kingdom

	End use:	Post-entry quarantine

	Date printed:	Sep 11 2010

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	For end use